Background

The Lighthouse Power Building for the Western Docks forms part of the outer harbour wall and is one of several lighthouses located around the port. Access to the lighthouse is provided by Admiralty Pier which was initially constructed over 150 years ago.

Relentless pounding by sea waves has taken its toll on certain parts of the piers upper concrete concourse. The existing surface covering had sustained considerable damage with pockets of concrete missing in certain places.

As part of a planned refurbishment programme, the Port of Dover requested the specification of a new waterproofing membrane that would be capable of receiving pedestrian traffic to the lighthouse whilst also providing a level of surface protection that could withstand regular buffeting by the sea .

Challenge

The proposed waterproofing membrane needed to offer excellent durability properties in a hostile environment and be tolerant to the high saline content of the English Channel. Furthermore, the waterproofing membrane needed to provide anti-skid surface whereby access to the lighthouse at the end of the pier could be maintained. Such demanding criteria eliminated many typical membranes options, leaving Icopal’s Elastoflex Liquid Waterproofing System as the obvious solution.

Solution

The proposal required the Elastoflex liquid-applied membrane to be applied above the prepared and primed concrete surface with many of the damaged concrete pockets being filled and levelled before any waterproofing works could begin. The Elastoflex membrane was installed in two coats in conjunction with the polyester reinforcing fabric. Once cured, the Elastoflex Anti-Skid System incorporating a coloured quartz sand finish, was applied. This provided the anti-skid surface finish necessary for pedestrian access whilst also achieving a tough, durable skin that would provide a considerable level of protection against the crashing winter waves.

The project was completed during the summer months without delay or inconvenience to the port authority, and achieved an excellent aesthetic finish prompting complimentary comments from the client .